Commandments of dog ownership
Behold the Law I prescribe to you now, as these are the 10 Commandments of Dog Ownership that you should pass on to your children, and to their children until the end of times. Also known as The Ten Commandments from a Dog’s Point of View or simply the Ten Commandments For Dog Owners, they are a set of pet ownership rules.
They were written by Stan Rawlinson in 1993. The 10 commandments of dog ownership are written from the perspective of a dog and this is how they go.
1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years
Any separation from you will be painful. Remember that before you buy me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me
Do not break my spirit with your temper, though I will always forgive you. Your patience will teach me more effectively.
3. Please have me spayed or neutered
4. Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for your kindness than mine
Don’t be angry with me for long, and don’t lock me up as punishment. After all, you have your job, your friends, your entertainment. I have only you.
5. Speak to me often
Even if I don’t understand your words, I understand your voice when it’s speaking to me. Your voice is the sweetest sound I ever hear, as you must know by my enthusiasm whenever I hear your footsteps.
6. Take me in when it’s cold and wet
I’m a domestic animal and I am no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask for little more than your gentle hands petting me. Keep my bowl filled with water. Feed me good food so that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding. By your side, I stand ready, able and willing to share my life with you, for that is what I live for. I’ll never forget how well you’ve treated me.
7. Don’t hit me.
Remember I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, but I choose not to bite you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me
Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I’ve been out in the sun too long, or my heart may be getting weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old
For you will grow old, too.
10. When I am old, or when I no longer enjoy good health, please do not make heroic efforts to keep me going
I am not having fun. Just see to it that my trusting life is taken gently. And be with me on that difficult journey when it’s time to say goodbye. Everything is easier for me when you are there. I will leave this earth knowing with my last breath that my fate was always safest in your hands.
Stan Rawlinson Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer. Author of the “Ten Commandments For Pets”. You can visit his website and articles at https://www.doglistener.co.uk/. The 2008 Japanese film “10 Promises to my Dog” used the Ten Commandments of Dog Ownership as its basis.
These commandments are truly inspiring and should be held on a wall by all pet owners. In Dogalize, we always encourage you to give your dog the best life possible since it is very short and you are all they have. Visit us to check out important resources that will help you be the master your pet deserves.